By: Meshack Makau
African Heads of State have come out to condemn the military coup in Mali during which saw President Ibrahim Boubacar Keita seized by mutinying soldiers.
On Thursday in a virtual meeting led by the AU chair Cyril Ramaphosa, leaders called for the immediate release of President Keïta, Prime Minister Boubou Cissé and senior members of his administration.
President Uhuru Kenyatta urged for a “speedy, peaceful and democratic” resolution of the crisis.
AU Chairperson, President Ramaphosa called for dialogue to restore peace and stability in the West African country.
Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) President Felix Tshisekedi asked African countries to take a firm position on the matter saying the coup was “dangerous for democracy in Africa”.
The forced departure of the Malian President Ibrahim Boubacar Keita, has fueled fears that jihadist could carry out attacks and further destabilize the country.
Keita’s forced resignation came after months of a political crisis that stemmed from a disputed parliamentary election.
In June, anti-government protesters took the streets of the capital demanding Keita’s step down.
The coup AU joins other world countries in condemning the cou.
However, the military has announced plans to organize elections within four months.
